FC Bayern Munich
Updated on 05.06.2024, 17:54
National team colleague Antonio Rüdiger praised Tah: “For me, his path is outstanding, there is currently no one better in the Bundesliga.” © IMAGO/Marc Schüler
A transfer of German international Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen to FC Bayern is becoming increasingly likely. However, another defender would then have to leave Munich.
Jonathan Tah openly admitted that he was thinking about leaving Bayer Leverkusen. “It was always my goal to win a title with Leverkusen. I have now basically achieved that and played my part. We will see what the future brings,” the central defender told Sky Sport News.
The 28-year-old’s contract with the German champions ends in just one year. “The club has clearly communicated that I either extend my contract or that I should leave because the club does not want to end up in a situation where the player leaves the club for free. I can fully understand that and that is why I am faced with this decision,” said Tah.
Tah and FC Bayern are said to have reached an agreement
When a football professional speaks so openly about his future and what “the next step is for me,” a change of club follows in most cases. Especially since Tah does not deny the interest of FC Bayern Munich: “I am happy that I am being linked with such a club.” Already on Sunday, “Sky” reported that there is a basic agreement between FC Bayern and the player.
However, a transfer would only happen if both clubs agree on a transfer fee. There are currently no negotiations. “transfermarkt.de” estimates Tah’s market value at 30 million euros.
The problem, however, is that FC Bayern already has four experienced central defenders in the squad and has invested a lot of money in this part of the team.
Bayern paid around 160 million euros for three central defenders
Dayot Upamecano was signed in the summer of 2021 for a transfer fee of around 42.5 million euros, Matthijs de Ligt a year later for around 67 million euros, and Min-jae Kim another season after that for around 50 million euros. These three players are among the six most expensive new signings in the club’s history.
Eric Dier is also in the squad. He was initially loaned from the English professional club Tottenham Hotspur last winter, but has since established himself as a regular player and has been signed permanently. It would be difficult for FC Bayern to have five expensive central defenders in the squad in the future, including Tah. At least one would probably have to go. But who?
Upamecano is error-prone – and a candidate for sale?
According to a report in “Sport Bild”, Upamecano could possibly leave FC Bayern. The French international has outstanding skills and is able to completely take opposing strikers out of the game. However, he has never been able to stop making mistakes.
This was particularly noticeable last February: within four days he caused a penalty against Lazio Rome in the Champions League and VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga, and was sent off both times, thus initiating the defeats. In the process, he lost his place in the starting line-up.
The same applies to Kim, who had his weakest day in the Champions League first leg against Real Madrid. The South Korean was responsible for both goals conceded and was subsequently sharply criticized by coach Thomas Tuchel. He too lost his place in the starting line-up at the end of the season.
English clubs are said to be interested in Upamecano
While it is difficult to predict how new coach Vincent Kompany will assess the four central defenders, Dier and de Ligt seem to work well together. The latter is also a leader that is urgently needed at FC Bayern. Kim was only signed a year ago, so he may be given time to get used to the Bundesliga.
Upamecano would therefore actually be the most likely candidate for sale. There are said to be interested parties in England. Journalist Rudy Galetti reported to “X” in April that Upamecano is a possible candidate for Manchester United. “spox.com” also refers to a report from the French newspaper “L’Équipe” according to which Chelsea FC is also said to be interested.
Tackling strength, passing accuracy, headers – Tah’s strengths
FC Bayern seem to be convinced that Tah would improve the team. The 1.95 meter tall defender, who was trained at Hamburger SV, looks back on probably the best season of his career and is very versatile. In defense, he shines with his speed and strength in duels.
However, he is also capable of making an impact up front. Last season he scored four goals in the Bundesliga and two goals in the DFB Cup. His heading ability is particularly impressive. The same applies to his opening play. With a pass rate of 95 percent, he is one of the best in the Bundesliga.
National team colleague Antonio Rüdiger praised Tah: “For me, his path is outstanding, there is currently no one better in the Bundesliga.” Per Mertesacker, who won the World Cup with Germany in 2014 and now works as a TV expert, also said: “Jonathan Tah is the backbone of Bayer Leverkusen, he radiates incredible calm and consistency at the moment.”
No wonder that FC Bayern is very interested in him.
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2024-06-05 15:54:16
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